The Jana Swenson Consulting Team
Jana Swenson
Owner/Consultant, CFRE
Jana Swenson
Owner/Consultant, CFRE
With over three decades of experience, Jana equips and empowers congregations to fulfill their mission by strengthening their ability to fund both annual and capital needs. Drawing on her background as a pastor and development director, she brings a unique and invaluable perspective to her work as a fundraising consultant.
Her work is guided by a deep conviction: we were created in God’s image, and God is the ultimate model of generosity. Generosity, therefore, is at the core of who we are. When we step out in faith to share our resources, we experience a more profound sense of joy and fulfillment and a stronger connection with one another.
Jana has honed her expertise in capital campaign leadership, stewardship and generosity coaching, comprehensive fundraising planning and volunteer management. At the heart of her approach is a belief in inspiring generosity and empowering church leaders to confidently invite others to invest in the mission and ministry of their church or organization.
Amy Palmer
Executive Project Manager
Amy Palmer
Executive Project Manager
Amy brings a thoughtful blend of organization, heart, and leadership to every campaign. Behind the scenes, she ensures a smooth, positive experience for all involved—keeping details aligned, communication clear, and momentum strong. With extensive experience in congregational ministry and nonprofit management, Amy combines practical know-how with a deep passion for building community. She thrives on refining systems, fostering collaboration, and helping ministries work efficiently toward their shared goals.
Laura VanderTop
Business Manager
Laura VanderTop
Business Manager
Laura provides vital operational support. With more than 20 years of experience across various areas of ministry, she brings both strategic insight and a gift for creating order from complexity. Laura is known for her resourcefulness, organization, and commitment to building structures that help clients achieve their goals with clarity and confidence. She finds deep satisfaction in helping ministries and teams work efficiently so they can focus on what matters most—their mission.
Jim Weckwerth
Consultant
Jim Weckwerth
Consultant
Jim brings a wealth of experience as both a pastor and a seasoned nonprofit consultant. He approaches capital campaigns with a strategic, organizational lens—seeking to align the vision of the campaign with the deeper mission of the church. With a passion for clarity and purpose, Jim navigates the campaign process with focus and thoughtfulness. Jim adds value by strengthening systems, and ensuring that every step of the campaign is rooted in mission. He loves empowering leaders to build momentum, unity, and capacity for ministry growth.
Paul Hanson
Consultant
Paul Hanson
Consultant
Paul brings a pastor’s heart and a fundraiser’s expertise to every campaign he supports. Drawing on his extensive experience in inviting Major Gifts, he guides congregations through the Feasibility Study and Campaign Silent Phase with deep listening, insight, and a strong sense of mission. Paul’s major gift work has touched every area of the church, from congregations to the national church. This experience has deepened his understanding of what inspires generosity. Paul finds great joy in helping congregations resource their ministry vision.
Joel Rude
Consultant
Joel Rude
Consultant
Joel comes to us with nearly three decades of experience in the camping ministry and a passion for revitalizing organizations that have a compelling mission. As a fractional consultant, Joel helps nonprofits, churches, and camps gain greater clarity, align systems, build effective fund development infrastructures, and improve donor development strategies. He leverages his ministry leadership and theological education to grow the effectiveness of governing bodies – a key factor in successful, large-scale fundraising initiatives.
Samantha Roose-Christy
Messaging Specialist
Samantha Roose-Christy
Messaging Specialist
Samantha is a fundraising copywriter and strategist who helps nonprofits and fundraising consultants inspire generosity through clear, heartfelt, and donor-centered storytelling. Blending creativity with data-driven strategy, she crafts messages that strengthen donor relationships and drive real results. With specialized training in philanthropic psychology and storytelling, Samantha has helped organizations significantly boost their fundraising results. She believes the right words don’t just raise more money—they build lasting connections that move missions forward.
Kelly Sapmaz
Graphic Designer
Kelly Sapmaz
Graphic Designer
Kelly speaks the language of design—bright colors, layered compositions, and movement that sparks emotion and connection. A Minneapolis-based Graphic Designer, she has spent the past 24 years bringing ideas to life in ways that make people feel. Kelly draws on her deep love of visual storytelling to create work that captivates, inspires, and resonates. Kelly loves to explore how design can tell stories, move people to action, and leave a lasting impression.
Celeste Morris
Graphic Designer
Celeste Morris
Graphic Designer
Celeste is a talented designer who helps churches inspire generosity and strengthen their fundraising efforts through thoughtful, compelling visuals. With a degree in Visual Communications and over 20 years of experience, Celeste creates materials that not only communicate a church’s mission but also motivate members to invest financially. Her work helps congregations tell their story in ways that drive meaningful support and lasting impact.